On a dark and mild Sunday morning, 18 Heathens braved the Valencia streets with 26.2 miles ahead of them.

The BBHAC pack was led home by Dylan Mitchard, who produced a storming two-minute PB running 2:29:00. Next home was marathon specialist Fintan Parkinson in 2:34:27, with Sam Douglass close behind in 2:34:54, a four-minute personal best.

Ben Hakki delivered an outstanding performance, shattering his personal best by five and a half minutes to achieve 2:38:15. Nick Clegg completed the sub-2:40 contingent with an impressive 2:39:41. Achieving this in just his second marathon, after 2:44:16 in Manchester, marks notable progress. Not far behind, Josh Kennedy and Kev Fini celebrated personal bests, with Josh finishing in 2:42:04 and Kev close behind in 2:42:19.

Second claimer Will Senbanjo crossed the line next in 2:43:43, followed by fellow former Petts Wood runner Roger Vilardell, who bravely battled hamstring issues to finish in 2:43:55. Tom Desborough took 13 minutes off his PB with a 2:47:20 in just his second marathon. Shortly after, Luca Ercolani finished in 2:49:22, just four weeks after a 2:46:57 in New York. Alistair Love followed, finishing in 2:49:42.

Paul Sharpe finished in 2:57:44 for another sub-3 performance. Paolo Lancini completed the sub-3 club for B&B, coming home in 2:58:05. An impressive run on his debut!

Scott Poulier followed in 3:10:53, then Zoe Fiander, Orpington Road Runner’s second claimer, in 3:12:50. Will Brindley followed, completing his 52nd marathon in 3:26:23. Rounding off the impressive contingent was Simon Harris, who finished in 3:39:10, and François Berrier (3.50.00) closing out a memorable day for all.

We did have one casualty on the course: Pete Brooks had to drop out at 18km due to severe Achilles pain. His dad and Past President Nick Brooks offered great support out on the course.